ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued a warning Monday over unsolicited packages of seeds received through the mail from China.
People around the U.S. have reported receiving unexpected packages with Chinese characters. Officials said many of the packages have the name China Post, and may be labeled as jewelry.
Read: Residents warned not to plant mysterious seeds apparently sent from China
Officials said packages have been reported in Virginia, Kansas, Washington, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, and others.
FDACS said it has received at least 160 reports from Florida residents having received suspicious seed packages.
"Plant seeds from unknown sources may introduce dangerous pathogens, diseases, or invasive species into Florida, putting agriculture and our state's plant, animal, and human health at risk," said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. "Anyone receiving these suspicious seed packets should not open them, should not plant them, should limit contact with them, and should report them immediately to both our department and USDA officials."
The content of the seed packages is unknown, officials said.
FDACS is working closely to receive guidance from the USDA and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the lead regulatory body on this issue, in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Anyone receiving unsolicited seed packages from other countries should not open the seed packets and avoid opening outer packaging or mailing materials, if possible, officials said.
Officials said not to plant the seeds or discard them in trash that will be sent to a landfill.